WIMBLEDON’S old Crazy Gang revelled in pulling the big boys down a peg or two. The new one is no different.

That’s why Stevenage – or the new Crazy Gang as they are now so happy to call themselves – are hoping a bit of history will repeat itself when they take on Spurs today.

Former Wimbledon coach Gary Smith has returned from Colorado Rapids in the United States in the hope of bringing those crazy days back. But even he didn’t think the chance would come as soon as it has.

Smith, who coached the Crazy Gang when Joe Kinnear was boss there, took over at Stevenage when Graham Westley left for Preston last month. So Spurs can expect a rough ride this afternoon from a side who are no respecters of reputations.

Striker Chris Beardsley said: “Just like the old Crazy Gang, we are a hotchpotch team who believe in each other and never give up.

“There are quality players here who have never been given the chance and still have a lot to prove. We fancy our chances here. It’s our ground and we don’t fear anyone.”

And if we can repeat that up-and-at-’em spirit and high tempo here, then we will

Gary Smith

Smith left Wimbledon for more coaching success at Arsenal and so is particularly pleased that Spurs provide the opposition today.

An even more successful spell followed at Colorado Rapids, who won the American Major Soccer League title with the lowest budget ever, before the new Crazy Gang proved irresistible. “I liked Wimbledon,” he added. “They never really got the credit they deserved.

“Everyone said they were a

long-ball side but they had fine players, like John Fashanu and Vinnie Jones. They were far, far better than they were given credit for.”

Smith highlights the togetherness of the old Wimbledon squad as key to their make-up and he has been quick to nurture that at Stevenage.

“They had a closeness which I like to encourage here and a style that was uncompromising. And if we can repeat that up-and-at-’em spirit and high tempo here, then we will,” he said.